The chamber quieted again.
No one could argue it.
Not with the image right in their faces.
Not with the Circle of Rule responding Auryn’s mana as the rightful Sokâr.
A beat.
Then another.
More signing and whispering.
The vote was called.
The majority sided with the Sokâr.
A small victory.
And yet…
“Given the Sokâr’s lack of field experience,” Draevan Sol drawled, “it would be prudent if implementation fell to the Master of Strategic Mana Flow.”
“We already have schematics prepared,” Auryn said coolly, slamming a second scroll down. “Refined. Tested. You’ll find no fault in the backbone algorithms.”
Draevan read it. His expression did not change.
“Sound,” he admitted. “Advanced, even. A remarkable understanding of ley function and shield interaction.”
He looked at her then.
“But dangerouslytheoretical. This is not the laboratory, Sokâr.”
The vote was called.
Draevan voted against Auryn’s participation in the effort, and many hands rose to follow his.
Until the Resh’Agar raised his hand to vote for her involvement. “The city will burn if you let your drones mill about, Draevan, while the person most qualified is benched on the sidelines. If you want the issue resolved, you will vote for the Sokâr to lead the charge.”
Several votes immediately shifted back to Auryn. Enough to tip the scales in her favor.
She turned back to the Council.
“The votes have been carried out and there are no further motions from Us at this time,” she nodded.
Kailorien raised a hand. “If there are no further motions from the Council, this session will come to a close.”
All were silent.
Auryn spoke next.
“The next session is in three days. We propose a motion for the opening. Topic of discussion will be the outbreak of recent illness in the Commons and the Rising. Temple resources must be allocated per regulations clearly stipulated in the Doctrine of Preservation. We will be launching an investigation as to why the Council has violated this by withholding aid to those who need it most.”
More whispers.
More signing.
Faces weren’t confused now.
